Yamaha 4 String Transformation

[nottswarwick]

Hello

Some time ago I started a thread on this, but cannot find it - might have been on Bassworld.....

Anyway, the time has come to get this sorted out.

I have got a Yamaha BBN4 iii 4 string bass. I have taken it apart totally, and now it awaits re building with better innards etc.

It is/was a very nice playing bass, great neck, good action etc. The Body wood feels really nice and dense/solid too.

So, I think it needs better electronics and pickups. I am not averse to a bit of routing etc to accommodate different pups and electronics. The only thing I have found in my brief research so far is that the stock pups are alot wider than for example similar looking emgs, and thus I would have to fill in the excess hole, which is not a great solution. I had also thought about making it into a stingray/sterling style thing, with one fat humbucker, and a scratchplate to cover the mess below!

I know that this is not going to be a high end build like some in this section, and as such a moderator might move it elsewhere. However, I thought thread would serve 2 purposes:

1. Give me ideas / tips / help

2. It might be good for others to learn as I do.

Here is a picture as it is now:



So, bring on the suggestions and advice

Cheers

Chris

[steve]

hi chris, how about a dark star pickup? maybe a bit pricey but they apparantly sound great

[7string]

There's been some great words on here about Wizard Pickups [url="http://www.wizardpickups.co.uk"]http://www.wizardpickups.co.uk[/url]

Maybe they could rewind the pickups and then put them back in your covers ??

Also, ACG now have another version of their superb filter-based pre. It's designed by ACG and made by John East [url="http://www.acguitars.co.uk"]http://www.acguitars.co.uk[/url]

That would definately be a great combination and save routing

[Peaty]

If you wanted a scratch plate but with a more woody feel why not laminate one up from constructional veneer with a fancy grained top veneer of your choice then the world would be your oyster for changing those pick up routes. Given the color of the body wood you might consider a Macassar ebony or Walnut top veneer for a pick guard.

These people have always sold me great veneer, check out their catalogue to get some idea of what is available.

[url="http://www.marquetry.co.uk/main/acatalog/index.html"]http://www.marquetry.co.uk/main/acatalog/index.html[/url]